Hey, there. So it’s been a while between posts. I know, shocking right?

Guys, I can’t even begin to tell you how many thoughts and internal conversations I have with myself about this blog, and my photography, and what to write/share next. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes it’s just easier to not attempt anything at all.

Instead, I tend to make a whole bunch of wishy-washy goals, and settle into a comfy zone with my old pal Netflix. Which granted, we all need to do sometimes - but other times, we just need a good productivity reboot.

So with that said, today’s post is sort of a belated 2019 (not wishy-washy) photography goals list.

I’m calling it: ‘Photographs I’m Yet to Make’ with the subheading: ‘Photographs I HOPE to Make’.

And it looks a little like this…

1: MOTHERHOOD.

I won't dwell on this one too long, because I’ve preached on it quite a bit already! But photographing Mums being Mums, makes my heart SO very, very happy. No pretences, nothing fancy, just all the hard work and all the love. Documenting more motherhood is a serious goal for this year, and possibly, maybe, forever.

^ Also, very keen to share more of this session very soon ^

2: FAMILIES DOING MORE OF WHAT FAMILIES ACTUALLY DO.

I definitely spent a lot more time last year working towards documenting more real life family time - alongside my own direction and input. I photographed a lot of sleepy breakfasts, bed hair, backyard hang outs, morning walks, coffee stops, messy kitchens, and I LOVED it! Because here’s the thing, sometimes I take family photos and they’re wonderful, and neat, and tidy but then I see those same families on Facebook being messy, going places, hanging out, being wild and I think to myself: ‘THAT’S what we should have photographed!’ And please don't misunderstand me, I adore beautiful portraits, in gorgeous clothes, in choice locations, I truly do - and there’s definitely a place for those images, they’re wonderful and important. But as the years go by, I find myself more and more drawn to the usual, the normal, the ‘this is us’.

Guys, your family photos don’t have to look like ‘family photos’. They can be whatever you want them to be! Are you spending a night in the caravan? Sign me up! Maybe you’re going camping, or on a day trip, or out in the boat. Sign me up! Maybe you’re having a having a cosy day at home baking biscuits and toasting marshmallows in the backyard. Sign me up! If there’s something you truly love to do as a family, and you want a beauitful record of it, you guessed it, sign me up!

You may not see it now, but it’s quite likely your currently living the every day magic your heart will want to remember.

3. FAMILIES WITH OLDER KIDS.

From my experience so far, there’s definitely a most popular age bracket for family photos and it tends to be when the kids are under 10, or even more common, under 6. I’m guessing this is because we feel more compelled to capture our kids when they’re cute and smooshy, and because the early childhood phase of life is the one with the most rapid changes. It might also be because as our kids grow up, they become more independent and family interactions change. Maybe you don’t spend as much time all together because someone has a weekend job, or soccer training, or social commitments. I get it. But I know you families with tweens and teens are still getting all together sometimes. I see you on your outings to the beach, on your family adventures, and weekends at the shack. So let me ask you this, how is this phase of your family life any less important than all the ones that came before it? Yes, I know older kids generally hate having their photo taken and they’re not as easy to cajole. They might not want to hug you (not with a witness present!) and my very childish fart jokes probably won’t make them giggle. But that doesn’t matter, because essentially, you just need to be together - the rest will take care of itself.

4. CREATIVE PEOPLE DOING CREATIVE THINGS

This one is just so fun.

I love photographing creative people, in creative spaces, doing the stuff that lights them up.

If you’re a painter, sculptor, sewer, knitter, illustrator, or creative maker of any kind, and you need some lifestyle images for your website, blog, socials etc. I’d love to hear from you! Maybe we can even swap some talent for talent?

These images are from my session last year with the very amazing Sarah. She’s a super gifted designer and maker with impeccable taste - who also has amazing tattoos, and an affinity for dresses wth pockets. Yep, the coolest. You can find more of her awesomeness over here.

So there it is friends.

Just a portion of the thoughts that have been on my mind and tugging at my photo loving, nostalgic, heart.

If you’re reading this and thinking to yourself, hey, this woman’s onto something. Write me.

I’m so ready to hear from the amazing folk who will be in the photos I’m yet to make.